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Spring Training productive endeavor for Rays

The Rays look back on their 2013 campaign and discuss expectations for the 2014 season during Rays FanFest at Tropicana Field

By Bill Chastain
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MLB.com |

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Rays manager Joe Maddon could not think of much that his 2014 squad has not accomplished during Spring Training.

"There's still some things, outfield-wise, that I want to tie up," Maddon said. "Otherwise, the number of at-bats have been good per player. Pitchers got their innings in. Relievers have gone two innings in a row."

He also noted that, instructionally, "We got the message out there pretty well this year."

Maddon is satisfied with what he has done as well.

"I've been so locked in with the process this camp, I've been really pleased with that," Maddon said. "I've been able to keep my focus and I'm really going to challenge myself to do that during the season also.

"There's a tendency for all of us, sometimes, you want to become a fan during the game. You get hung up on the outcome, and you can't, you just have to keep working the game from your perspective."

Maddon allowed that he wants to remain locked in, thus he is challenging himself "to become even more process-oriented than I have been in the past" for the entire season.

When asked, Maddon could not come up with any real surprises from this year's camp.

"Maybe some of the young guys," Maddon said. "I've heard about them and how good they actually showed up. [C.J.] Riefenhauser, saw [Adam] Liberatore again yesterday, [Brad] Boxberger in the deal, [Logan] Forsythe for the first time. Not really surprises, just kind of pleasantly pleased to see.

"I mean, these guys are good. So you hear about the acquisitions in meetings. But to actually see them perform, they're good."

Bill Chastain is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.